Three banks in Bangladesh have launched the national debit card 'TakaPay' card for the first time today. The banks are: Brac Bank, City Bank and Sonali Bank.
Yesterday, Wednesday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the card at a ceremony at Ganobhaban on the initiative of Bangladesh Bank.
A press release from Brac Bank said that TakaPay card can be used to withdraw cash from ATM. In addition, this card can be used for point of sales and e-commerce transactions.
The press release also said that TakaPay card transactions will be conducted through the national payment switch operated by Bangladesh Bank. Therefore, these transactions will be safe, secure and reliable. It will be affordable, convenient and easy to use.
At the inauguration ceremony of TakaPay card, the Prime Minister said that TakaPay is another initiative to build a smart Bangladesh.
The bankers said that the national debit card will reduce dependence on international card schemes like Visa and Mastercard. As a result, foreign currency will be saved.
The bankers also said that TakaPay card will be used primarily for domestic transactions.
At the inaugural ceremony, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder and senior officials of the central bank were present.
Brac Bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Salim R.F Hussain said that this card will make the banking sector more technologically equipped and self-reliant. We and the entire nation are proud to launch TakaPay, as it is the first national card scheme in Bangladesh.
He also said that it will save the customers' transaction costs. We believe that this is a big milestone for the banking sector, as it will help the country move towards a smart Bangladesh.
